I think him and possibly Barkov would have made the team. Yashkin - very doubtful.

I think the whole thing is strange. Gally is definitly more Russian than American, he talks to his parents and family in Russian and so forth. I don't think his heart so much belong in America as much as him liking the US way of life too much.

I think the whole thing is strange. Gally is definitly more Russian than American, he talks to his parents and family in Russian and so forth. I don't think his heart so much belong in America as much as him liking the US way of life too much.

I thought the same thing too. Besides, on Team USA, he is the star - especially up front. On Team Russia... not so much.

Let's be honest, if you had a kid who was a dual citizen and he could play for either Canada/US or Russia/US, the smart money would be on playing for the U.S. You have a better chance of standing out. You would more likely be put at the head of the class.

I thought the same thing too. Besides, on Team USA, he is the star - especially up front. On Team Russia... not so much.

Let's be honest, if you had a kid who was a dual citizen and he could play for either Canada/US or Russia/US, the smart money would be on playing for the U.S. You have a better chance of standing out. You would more likely be put at the head of the class.

I respect his choice more if he chose to play for US because he thinks that's where his heart lies. I wouldn't really respect his decision if he chose it for the purpose of exposure, or chance to play, or to affect his draft.

If you're Russian at heart- play for Russia and represent your country/ where you learned to play hockey. If you're doing it for the betterment of your career- I wouldn't want him on the National team.